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Licensing

CHIS monitors all licensing applications for BS8 and opposes those that appear to be unsuitable and those that would give rise to nuisance, usually noise, for residents.

If it is a major application CHIS drops a notice into all nearby residences, whether CHIS members or not.

Bristol City Council explains Applications for the grant and variation of premises licences, and the various types of licence issued, at BCC: Licences and permits. Current licences, club premises certificates and proposed changes can be seen at BCC: Licensing Act 2003 - Current applications under 'Public notification of grant applications or Public notification of variation applications'.

This site also provides the contact details for the Licensing Office.

Cumulative Impact Areas (CIAs)

Most of BS8 is within 3 Cumulative Impact Areas. This means that within the defined areas it has been recognised that for the well-being of residents and current businesses no further licences, or significant extensions to current ones, will be granted unless it is clearly demonstrated that what is being offered is different from what already exists, and will not add to the impact already being experienced. The areas are Clifton Village, Whiteladies Road and most of The Triangle. The maps can be found under Related Documents at BCC: Licensing policy.

To oppose an application for a new licence

Your reasons for opposition must be related to at least one of the four licensing objectives:

The prevention of crime and disorder.

Public safety.

The prevention of public nuisance.

The protection of children from harm.

The Police usually deal with the first two and the fourth is rarely relevant, leaving the prevention of public nuisance. This includes the likelihood of noise from within or on departure from premises, vandalism, fumes from cooking, invasive bright lighting etc.

The public cannot oppose Temporary Events Notices.

To oppose an application for variation (usually an increase in hours)

The reasons for opposing are the same as for a new licence. It is useful to have a record showing evidence (with dates) if there has been any previous or existing nuisance.

Request for a licence to be reviewed

This is a relatively new and potentially very effective power for residents to get some positive action on premises causing problems.

If any licensed premises starts to cause you regular problems then you have the right to give notice to the licence holder of the premises and the Licensing Authority that you are calling for the licence to be reviewed. This can result in a range of sanctions — new conditions can be imposed, the hours or activities cut back. The licence can be suspended for a while or even removed.

The onus is on you to initiate the review. The grounds and reasons for making such a request have to follow the four Licensing Objectives listed above.

CHIS is here to support its members so please let me know if you are opposing an application.